Bulletin - United States National Museum - si-pddr - Smithsonian ...

BIRDS OF ARGENTINA, PARAGUAY, URUGUAY, AND CHILE 417
Paraguay. B. c. mellea is a well-marked race, easily distinguishefl
from others that adjoin by its much paler coloration both above and
below. The following measurements were taken from two adult
males: Wing, 69.9-70; tail, 56.2-57.8; culmen, 11.8-12.2; tail, 20-21.2
mm. A female measures as follows: Wing, 64; tail, 55.2; culmen,
12 ; tarsus, 20.5 mm. The specimen from Formosa is slightly darker
than those from Paraguay and seems to represent a somewhat inter-
mediate condition verging toward B. c. argentina.
Individuals were observed at the Riacho Pilaga, Formosa, on
August 13 and 14, 1920, and one was taken on the former date. At
Kilometer 80, west of Puerto Pinasco, Paraguay, they were recorded
from September 6 to 18, and birds were shot on September 16.
Little flocks or single individuals came familiarly about the ranch
house under the dirt-floored porches or in the bare patio, skipping
nimbly away as people passed, their gray backs blending in such a
manner with the color of the earth that by most they passed
unnoticed.
The status of chingolos, as these birds are commonly known,
recorded along the Rio Paraguay, at Puerto Pinasco, on September
3 and 4, is uncertain, as no specimens were taken.
BRACHYSPIZA CAPENSIS CHORAULES Wetmore and Peters
Bracliijspiza capcnsis choratiles Wetmore und Pkters, Proc. Biol. Soc.
Washington, vol. 35, Mar. 20, 1922, p. 44. (General Roca, Gobernacion
de Rio Negro, Argentina.)
The present form, common at General Roca, Rio Negro, the type
locality, may be supposed to range in the valley of the Rio Negro
from Neuquen eastward. Adult males were taken at Roca on November
23 and 30, and adult females on November 24 and 30, all in
breeding condition. Specimens shot farther north, at Tunuyan,
Mendoza, vary slightly toward B. c. c/dhnsis, but more nearly
resemble choraules, with which they are identified. Adult females
taken on March 25 and 27 have just completed the post-nuptial molt.
One has the black lateral crown stripes restricted to narroAv lines
and may be a migrant from the south, as it represents an approach
to canicapilla. One immature female shot March 24 is in full fall
plumage; another taken on the same date is just beginning the molt
from the juvenal stage. This latter specimen is paler and browner
(less blackish) above than B. c. argentina of the same age, and differs
from B. G. chilensis (from Potrerillos, Mendoza, in similar condi-
tion) much as do adults of chorauJeH. as it is paler above, more espe-
cially on the sides of the neck, and has a more extensively white
superciliary stripe. Measurements of fully grown individuals are
given below.